Newport, R. I.–U-Haul has announced the forthcoming expansion of its storage facility at 111 Connell Hwy. in Newport, R.I.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Newport

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Newport is located just off the Newport Bridge, near the Newport Naval Base. Open since 1978, the facility added a 9,999-square-foot building and surrounding land in November, as part of its expansion project.

“We’re still in the beginning stages at the new building,” Thomas Snell, executive assistant for U-Haul Co. of Rhode Island, said in prepared remarks. “Major interior and exterior renovations need to be completed, but this building will give us more options for climate-controlled interior storage and U-Box containers.”

The building situated on the newly acquired parcel last housed a towing company. U-Haul is currently using the facility to offer moving supplies, storage and U-Box portable moving and self-storage containers.

“We are excited for this project because U-Haul will ensure that this large building will not become an eyesore,” Snell added. “Newport is home to the U.S. Naval War College and the Officer Candidate School, so moving and storage is a necessary service here.”

The Newport addition was driven by U-Haul Co.’s Corporate Sustainability initiatives through which the company supports infill development to help local communities lower their carbon footprint. U-Haul’s adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-construction materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.